Can A Detached 1000 Square Foot ADU Fit in this San Mateo Backyard?

With an expansive backyard space on their property, this Bay Area homeowner and mother who would be the first ADU occupant wanted to have the best of both worlds with their new custom detached ADU—as much square footage for an Accessory Dwelling Unit as possible while keeping as much of an open rear yard space as possible.

Keeping the space both spacious and separate from the existing single-family residence was important given the immediate use case of housing the homeowner's parents and longer-term use case of renting out the granny flat as a single-family home for passive income. At the same time, the shared backyard space designed around a large tree in the center creates a communal atmosphere, while the ADU design to match the existing single-family dwelling ensured that the new unit would fit in nicely with the property overall while being on a firm slab on grade foundation built to last.

Keeping the space both spacious and separate from the existing home was important given the immediate use case of housing the homeowner's parents and longer term use case of renting out the ADU for passive income. At the same time, the shared backyard space designed around a large tree in the center creates a communal atmosphere, while the ADU design to match the existing home ensured that the new unit would fit in nicely with the property overall.

In the Cottage's interior, the homeowner wanted to guarantee that the homeowner's mother would feel comfortable living in the new flexible ADU space. And with its open floor plan, the kitchen, dining, and living room makes the space feel larger than the dimensions listed on paper. An in-unit washer and dryer unit further ensures that the unit is fully self-sufficient for future long-term tenants.

Cottage also ensured that the little details in the design would not be overlooked to provide the best value for the present and future. For example, the combination of upper cabinets and open shelving in the kitchen maximizes the open, airy feeling and storage potential for the unit, while high quality bathroom and kitchen fixtures minimize the amount of future maintenance for the unit. In addition, tile from counter to ceiling in the kitchen provides a continuous look that elongates the appearance of a taller home, as shown above.

Cottage also ensured that the little details in the design would not be overlooked to provide the best value for the present and future like appliances and storage areas. For example, the upper cabinets in conjunction with the open shelving in the kitchen maximizes the open, airy feeling and storage potential for the unit, while high quality bathroom and kitchen fixtures minimize the amount of future maintenance for the unit. In addition, tile from counter to ceiling in the kitchen provides a continuous look that elongates the appearance of a taller home, as shown above.

Most municipalities like San Mateo across California allow for larger ADUs like this one with their updated ADU regulations, and the Cottage team has significant experience with ADUs of this size and specifications.

There are many other options for ADUs as well, whether you live in a single-family home or a duplex. Your in-law unit can function as a guest house or you can create a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) for an area with fewer square feet like a basement, a garage, or an attic. Cottage can help you navigate building code requirements, impact fees, the ADU ordinance, the minimum lot size, and building permits in addition to other necessary considerations when building an accessory structure.